This example covers alkaline heavy-duty cleaners and degreasers. Corrosive concentrates cause severe burns, with dilution, dosing and PPE controls.
This example COSHH risk assessment has been prepared using the
F-HS5 COSHH Assessment form template - a purpose-built template designed to focus entirely on what matters: identifying the hazards of each substance, recording the controls and PPE that manage them, and confirming exposure is adequately controlled, without any unnecessary fields getting in the way.
The file is supplied in fully editable MS Word format and can be saved to Google Docs if required, with pre-defined styles throughout to match the risk ratings.
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COSHH Assessment - Alkaline Heavy Duty Cleaner / Degreaser (Sodium Hydroxide)
This pre-completed COSHH assessment covers alkaline heavy-duty cleaners and degreasers - blends that may contain sodium hydroxide, sodium metasilicate and potassium hydroxide, used to remove grease, oil and heavy soiling from hard surfaces, equipment and floors. Concentrates typically sit at pH 12–14 and cause severe burns on contact, so dilution, decanting and dosing carry the highest risk.
What Does This COSHH Assessment Cover?
The assessment is fully completed and ready to use, covering all sections required for a complete hazardous substance risk assessment:
- Substance identification - alkaline aqueous cleaning blend with surfactants, SDS reference and physical state
- Health effects and first aid - severe skin burns, serious eye damage and internal burns if swallowed, with specific first aid for each route
- Corrosive hazard and incompatibles - never mixed with acids, bleach or other chemicals; lowest effective dilution used
- Workplace exposure limits - sodium hydroxide mist STEL 2 mg/m³, with mist and spray avoided or controlled through ventilation and RPE
- CLP hazard classification - Corrosive pictogram
- PPE requirements - splash goggles (EN166 B) with face shield for high splash risk, chemical-resistant gauntlets to EN374 (minimum 0.4 mm), Type 3/4 apron or coveralls with rubber boots for decanting or pressure washing, and a P3 respirator where mist is significant
- Emergency procedures - spillage containment away from drains and hazardous waste disposal via a licensed contractor
Who Is This COSHH Assessment For?
This assessment is suitable for any workplace where alkaline degreasers are used, including:
- Industrial and commercial cleaning contractors
- Commercial kitchens and catering deep-clean teams
- Workshops, plant maintenance and vehicle cleaning operations
- Food production and hygiene teams
Working From the Safety Data Sheet
The assessment reflects the hazards and controls found in typical manufacturer safety data sheets for these cleaners. Formulations and strengths vary, so check the details against the SDS for the exact product in use and record your own storage locations, users and site-specific controls.
COSHH Compliance
This document provides ready-to-use evidence of COSHH compliance and supports occupational health and safety management. The assessment is based on the F-HS5 COSHH Assessment template, is fully editable in Microsoft Word, and can be customised with your company details, site-specific information and review dates.